From McHenry County:

McHenry County Earns National Award for Shared Services Study

WOODSTOCK, Ill. – The National Association of Counties has bestowed its Achievement Award on McHenry County for its study examining ways local governments can increase efficiency and lower costs by sharing services.

McHenry County received the honor for its Coordinated Investment Study, which focuses on ways that local governments can cooperate and collaborate.

More than 100 local officials helped draft the recommendations included in the study, which includes guiding principles, building on and expanding shared services, overcoming barriers, and growing the McHenry County Municipal Partnering Initiative – a joint purchasing group.

The award honors innovative and effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.

“We are excited to be recognized nationally for our hard work and collaboration. It is the hope that the Coordinated Investment Study continues to lay the foundation for many more successful programs and achievements,” said Chalen Daigle, McHenry County Council of Governments Executive Director.

Daigle, who also serves as the County Coordinator for the county and MCOG, is tasked with implementing the study’s recommendations.

“Over the past year, county officials and frontline employees have demonstrated bold, inspirational leadership,” NACo President Gary Moore said. “This year’s Achievement Award winning programs illustrate the innovative ways counties build healthy, safe and vibrant communities across America.”

Achievement Awards are given in 18 different categories that reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide, including children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, county administration, information technology, health, civic engagement and many more.

The Coordinated Investment Study, as well as updates on local government collaboration nd at www.mchenrycountyil.gov/govcollaboration. The study was funded through a Local Technical Assistance grant awarded by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning in 2017.

Founded in 1935, NACo unites nearly 40,000 county officials and 3.6 million county employees in advocating for county government priorities in federal policymaking, promoting exemplary county policies and practices, and optimizing county and taxpayer resources and cost savings.

You can learn more about them by visiting NACo.